Mike, yes, the stuff that is crushed by some places is called "cremains"
and these sometimes confuse folks who come upon them in wilderness areas
where folks have wanted their ashes scattered.  They apparently have also
been used sometimes in forensic anthro investigations.
 
>We have contacted the local Humane Society and I am glad to say that the
>former owner is now banned from ever adopting an animal from them.  It
>seems in vain now that he has killed one animal, but I guess we all can
>be thankful that it will be harder for him next time
 
Good work!  More can be achieved when humane groups and ferret
shelters/groups work cooperatively.  What you did should save other
animals beyond the boy you saved.
 
>For several years, I have tried to track down the origin of this myth,
>but have been unsuccessful in those efforts.  I do know it was not
>initially based on a scientific study or recommendation.
 
I've long suspected that it came from ferrets with insulinoma (especially
in the years before meds for that, and esp. in advanced insulinoma)
needing food available on an as-needed basis, and that it just got
generalized somehow.
 
In ferrets as with humans: the more exercise, the more muscle, the more
muscle then often the less fat (depending also on other factors like
amount eaten).  Our's have food always available due to having some who
need that, but only one is chunky (not terribly so) and that one arrived
starved and like many starved creatures has his appetite off as a result.
Never forget the importance of exercise (physical and mental) for ferrets
and humans!
 
>I'm afraid she's going to try that new fad diet, 'Pritkin for Polecats.'
>The one where you eat only what you can kill with your face.  I know, I
>know it has done wonders for a number of Hollywood celebrities.  You see
>the razor thin ladies out on Rodeo drive, shopping at all the exclusive
>stores and surreptitiously spitting out wads of fur when they think
>nobody is looking.
 
Switch needs to have her own Ferjamie Leigh Curtisret article to enjoy!
The human one (Jamie Leigh Curtis) was in a great one a while back
showing the reality as opposed to what a swarm of 15 stylists create for
a misleading image.
 
Mark, the info you seek is in:
http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/ferrethealth/common_parasites.txt
[Posted in FML issue 3943]